🔗 Share this article

Yesavage authored a masterclass on the mound and Davis Schneider launched a home run on the game's initial offering as the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Dodgers six to one on Wednesday evening, standing one win away of their first title since the 1993 season.

Yesavage's Historic Outing

The 22-year-old Yesavage, who made his major league debut in September, struck out 12 without issuing a walk – achieving a historic World Series first. The first-year pitcher surrendered just one run on three hits over seven frames. He began the year pitching before a few hundred fans in Class A ball, but has now started and won two of Toronto’s three victories in this seven-game set.

A Quick Start for Toronto

Toronto’s hitters jumped out to a fast lead. On the first pitch of the game, Schneider turned on a 97mph fastball and drove it over the left-field wall. Just moments later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr homered as well to almost the exact same place. It marked the first time in World Series history that back-to-back homers started a game, leaving the audience in awe before most had settled in.

Yesavage Takes Control

Yesavage then took over. He struck out five consecutive batters between the second and third innings, setting a rookie record before the streak was snapped by Kiké Hernández with a home run in the bottom of the third to make it 2–1. That was as close as Los Angeles would get.

Building the Advantage

In the fourth, Varsho lined a triple into the right-field corner after a defensive mistake, and Ernie Clement lifted a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a three to one lead. The Dodgers’ offensive struggles deepened from there. After managing six runs in a lengthy extra-inning contest, they’ve produced just four runs in their last 29 innings.

Seventh-Inning Rally

The starting pitcher battled through six and two-thirds innings but exited in the seventh after the Blue Jays loaded the bases. Both runners he left behind came around to score – via a wild pitch and another on an RBI single – to make it 5–1. A hit in the eighth provided the concluding score.

Relievers Seal the Deal

Yesavage was cheered off the field from the traveling fans, and the pen closed it out. The relief corps each tossed a shutout frame to end the game, recording three strikeouts together while preserving the rookie’s masterpiece.

Offensive Woes Continue

The Dodgers, who adjusted their lineup in hopes of igniting the offense, again found little traction. Their top hitter went hitless in four at-bats and is now without a hit in his last seven appearances since a record-setting on-base performance in the third game.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Now up 3–2, Toronto return home with two games to secure the title. Game 6 is Friday night at Toronto's ballpark.